The 2010 primary election took place on Aug. 17. The top two candidates who earned the most votes in the primary will move forward to the general election in November. Seven Asian Americans (out of 94 candidates) were able to move forward.

Those who are unable to move on to the general election

Asian American candidates that did not garner enough votes to move forward still had words of optimism to give to their supporters.

Charles Allen ran for United States senator and placed fifth among 15 candidates. “I’d like to offer my congratulations to both Patty Murray and Dino Rossi, and wish them the best during the upcoming general election,” Allen told the Northwest Asian Weekly. “This has been, without a doubt, one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I want to thank each and every person who voted for me, who supported me, and who spread the word about my candidacy. I have, and will always, believe in the transformative power of politics.”

Ketu Shah ran for District Court Northwest Electoral District judge and earned about 20 percent of the votes. “I’m just disappointed that we lost,” Shah said. “But I have a strong support in the Asian community. I hope someday that I’ll represent them.”

Doris Fujioka McConnell ran for state representative, position 1, in the 32nd district. She previously served on Shoreline’s city council. “I am disappointed at the result of this election,” she said. “I haven’t decided if I will run during the next election yet, but I will continue watching.”

Other Asian Americans who will not move on to the general election are Shahram Hadian, who ran for state representative, position 1, 44th district; Mike Park, who ran for mayor of Federal Way, and Ketu Shah, who ran for District Court Northeast Electoral District judge, position 7.

Those who will move on to the general election

Bob Hasegawa, who is running for state representative, position 2, 11th district; Steve Hobbs, who is running for state senator, 44th district; Chris Marr, who is running for state senator, 6th district; Paull Shin, who is running for state senator, 21st district; Diana Toledo, who is running for King County Council position 8; and Sharon Tomiko Santos, who is running for state representative position 1, 37th district, will all move on to the general election.

Cindy Ryu, who is running for state representative position 1, 32nd district, will also move onto the general election.

“I’m very happy. It is exactly what we expected,” Ryu said. “It has been a hard half year for us. We worked so hard together with a group of 60 volunteers.” Ryu said her priorities are strengthening public education, making government open and accountable, providing living-wage jobs, and protecting neighborhoods and the environment. Ryu was formerly the mayor of Shoreline.

“We need to focus on the general election in November,” she said. “We will continue to work and hope to bring great news to everyone.” ♦
Chinami Tajika can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
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